City Attorney McGowan returning to private practice

Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005 | 9:30 a.m.

North Las Vegas City Attorney Sean McGowan said Wednesday he is resigning from the city to return to private practice.

The 53-year-old McGowan, a Green Valley resident, said he's likely to remain on the job through the end of October to give city officials more time to fill his position and help with the transition.

McGowan, who earns $154,594 a year, will work for the Las Vegas firm Beckley Singleton. He said he plans to focus on business law with an emphasis on land use and real estate.

"I have spent 15 of the last 21 years in private practice," McGowan said. "I have enjoyed it with the city, but it is time to take on new challenges. It is the right time to go back to private practice."

The City Council has yet to launch a search for McGowan's replacement. The city attorney reports directly to the council and does not fall under the city manager.

City Manager Gregory Rose said he has had a good working relationship with McGowan and he will be missed.

"The City Council is going to move forward and try to fill it. I don't know if you can replace someone like Sean, but they will be successful in filling it."

McGowan has offered to continue working as a part-time special city attorney covering special assignments or projects, including serving as counsel for the City Council and Planning Commission.

McGowan, who began his career in the state attorney general's office 27 years ago, oversees a staff of 12 attorneys in North Las Vegas.

He said he wanted to return to private practice to play a role in the growth of Southern Nevada over the next decade.

"I don't want to miss the excitement in development over the next 10 to 12 years," McGowan said.

McGowan will be leaving as a lawsuit filed against the city by former City Manager Kurt Fritsch remains unresolved. Fritsch is suing the city over his dismissal in July 2003. In August, a discovery commissioner ruled the council members be compelled to testify about their conservations with McGowan prior to firing Fritsch.